JA Solar has set up a production partner with Artolar in South Africa to produce 340 MW PV modules annually, to support the rules for domestic content among the purchasing programs of South Africa and to reduce trust in import.
The Chinese solar manufacturer JA SOLAR works together with the South African PV Maker Artolar to expand the local PV module production, which strengthens the supply chain and industrial basis of the renewable energy of South Africa.
The collaboration supports South Africa’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (RMIPPPP), which are aimed at tackling energy shortages and attract private investments in clean energy on an utility scale. South Africa leads the African continent in the installed solar capacity and will continue to give priority to domestic production in future project offers.
According to the conditions of the agreement, Artsolar has upgraded its facility in Durban to an assembly line of 340 MW for very efficient, large format JA-Zonnemodules. The two parties said that the solar panels will meet the international quality standards while they are tailored to local project needs. The facility is expected to reduce dependence on import and improve project time lines in the midst of global delivery restrictions.
Yes Solar said that the move is tailored to its broader goal of deepening the use of renewable energy in Africa and to contribute to local economic development.
“With this collaboration we can offer an improved range of high-quality, locally produced PV modules to South Africans,” said a Ja Solar spokesperson in an online statement.
Artolar, which was founded in 2010, is one of the few PV manufacturers of South Africa. Artsolar chairman Eshu Seevnarayan said that the deal is marking a turning point for the clean energy sector in the country.
“The renewed focus on local PV production has brought a much needed revival of hope for renewable energy and local industries,” Seevnarayan added.
Artolar said it also invested in personnel development through partnerships with technical institutions. The improved facility is expected to create 150 permanent jobs, in accordance with the broader industrialization and employment goals of South Africa.
JA SOLAR-Onangs arranged by Wood Mackenzie as the world’s second largest PV module manufacturer-Leidt the African Solar Module market per shipping volume. It claims that its investment in localized production strengthens its long -term strategy to operate fast -growing markets with tailor -made supply chains.
Earlier this month, South Africa 616 MW battery storage capacity awarded under the third window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producers purchasing program. Norway Scatec provided one project, while the local operator Mulilo, supported by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, won the remaining four.
South Africa installed 1.1 GW solar capacity in 2024, against 2.6 GW in 2023, according to the South African photovoltaic Industrial Association, the country reported. Despite the delay last year, it is expected that a growing pipeline of projects on Nuts scale that are driven by private purchasing is expected to accelerate the deployment in the coming years.
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